Kigel, Lopez Region Women's Tennis Coach, Assistant of Year

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Kigel, Lopez Region Women's Tennis Coach, Assistant of Year

Buccaneer coaching staff sweeps South Region awards

Avi Kigel and Maria Lopez were named the ITA South Region Head Coach and Assistant Coach of the Year, respectively. Photo by Joel Auerbach

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Barry University's Avi Kigel and Maria Lopez were named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association South Region Women's Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year, respectively.

Kigel won the ITA National Coach of the Year in 2011. Lopez won the ITA National Assistant Coach of the Year last year.

"We are honored to receive this award," Kigel said. "We are working really hard, and it feels good to be appreciated by the ITA and other coaches."

The Buccaneers are 26-0 and ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division II. Barry plays No. 19 Midwestern State (17-6) in the NCAA Championships Round of 16 Wednesday in Surprise, Ariz.

"I am honored to have received this recognition," Lopez said. "I am very lucky to have a group of hardworking girls that challenge me on an everyday basis, and thankful to Avi for being a great mentor in helping me become a better coach in every aspect of the game."

Earlier this season, Kigel recorded his 100th career victory as a head coach.

The Buccaneers have gone unbeaten in the regular season for two straight years. This is the first year, however, Barry women's tennis was ranked No. 1 in the country prior to the national tournament.

The ITA National Coach of the Year, along with other awards, will be announced Tuesday at a banquet in Surprise.

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